The Barrister's Choice

by Kelly Anne Bruce

  "Really?" Julianna asked hardly able to conceal the excitement in her voice.

  “Yes, do you like horses?" Lady Amelia asked turning to face her.

  Julianna smiled. “I do. I like them very much.”

  “Oh good! As do I,” Lady Amelia said with a big smile and then sighed. "Please pardon my delight, it is not often that I find another young lady with an affinity for horses."

  "No, I understand completely. Ladies our age are more interested in new dresses and attending parties.”

  Lady Amelia looked out at the window at the horses. "Perhaps you would like to see the stables while you are here.”

  “Thank you,” Julianna nodded. “I do look forward to it.”

  Chapter Three

  “Repington!”

  Hugh had barely stepped out into the garden when he heard his name called. Across the garden, he saw Timothy Sedgwick wave as he moved to meet him.

  “Hello, Sedgwick.”

  “Glad to see you, I had not heard that you had arrived. Actually thought perhaps you changed your mind.”

  “No, not at all. There were a few arrangements that needed to be made before I could leave London.” Hugh grinned at the thought of being out of the city and on holiday for a while.

  Hugh had notified his father that he had finished his studies and would be leaving London for several weeks. He also spoke with Mrs Bennett letting her know of his intended absence while assuring her she would still be paid to keep the house.

  “I hope your trip was without issue. Are you all settled?”

  “Yes. I arrived this morning and I am already enjoying myself immensely.”

  “Good, good!” His friend laughed and slapped him on the back good naturedly.

  It was a bit of a surprise but he was very pleased that he had come to the party. Hugh had to admit that James had been right about him being too serious and having spent far too much time on the studies. He needed a holiday. Yes, indeed.

  Although it was the fact that it had been James to point it out that was almost too much for Hugh. James had always been the most serious one of the brothers. For him to have noticed meant that Hugh had an even larger problem to solve.

  Lord and Lady Eastbridge paused in their tour of the garden to speak to Sedgwick.

  “Hello there, Timothy,” Lord Eastbridge said.

  While Lady Eastbridge asked, “Mr Repington are you enjoying yourself?”

  “Most definitely. What a wonderful party you are throwing,” Hugh replied.

  “Thank you,” Lady Eastbridge said with a smile. “Is your betrothed with you?” She looked around him. Hugh was puzzled for a moment and then realized the confusion. “I believe you are thinking of my brother, Charles. He has just recently become betrothed to Miss Beatrice Clarke.”

  “Oh, my apologies!” Lady Eastbridge looked so troubled that Hugh quickly spoke in order to calm her nerves.

  “Not to worry. It was an easy mistake,” Hugh reassured her. “It is not the first time that I have been confused with one of my brothers.”

  “Well, there are five of you,” Sedgwick reminded him.

  “Quite right,” Lord Eastbridge said with a low rumbling chuckle. “You have been studying at the Inns of Court, have you not?”

  “Yes, I have actually finished my studies quite recently.”

  Sedgwick broke in, “He has been chosen as a barrister. Wonderful news, that.”

  “Congratulations, Repington,” Lord Eastbridge replied and clapped him on the shoulder.

  Hugh staggered slightly under the unexpected weight of the older man’s hand. “Thank you. I am looking forward to working in London.”

  “Of course, well if you are anything like your brother, James, I have no doubt that you will be quite successful.”

  Hugh fought the urge to reply abruptly but he knew that Lord Eastbridge had meant it as a compliment. It was not the man’s fault and it had not been his intention to rankle Hugh. It was a fortuitous moment as Hugh looked across the garden and saw the solution to his current predicament. “Thank you, Lord Eastbridge. If you will excuse me, I see that Lady Ramsbury is beckoning me,” he said with a chuckle of his own.

  “Oh, by all means,” Lord Eastbridge said quickly.

  Lady Eastbridge glanced across the garden. "Please give her our regards.”

  Hugh had counted on Lady Ramsbury's reputation of being overly fussy and vocal in order for him to get out of the conversation. Of course, now it would be necessary for him to speak with Lady Ramsbury. He had known both Lord and Lady Ramsbury since he was quite young, and although Lady Ramsbury could be rather opinionated, Hugh had discovered that she was exceedingly sweet and caretaking in spite of the fact. Lord Ramsbury could be a little mischievous but Lady Ramsbury kept her eye on him.

  “Good evening, Lady Ramsbury,” Hugh said with a bow.

  “Good evening, Mr Repington,” she said with an approving smile.

  “Lord Ramsbury, you are looking well.”

  “Thank you, Mr Repington,” the older man told him straightening his coat, the buttons straining over his considerable girth. “I hear you have been chosen as a barrister.”

  “Yes, your grace,” Hugh answered.

  “Have you received an appointment yet?”

  “Not yet, no,” Hugh answered. “It has only been a few days and I have not yet decided on the course of my profession. I am using my time at this house party to make those decisions.”

  “A sound plan, indeed,” Lord Ramsbury paused as he looked longingly toward the house. Patting his round belly, he made a point to not look at his wife. “I wonder if they will have dessert later.”

  Hugh covered his smile by looking down to straighten his coat. Lord Ramsbury's fondness for sweets was well known. As well as Lady Ramsbury's efforts to keep him from growing even more rotund.

  “Whether they have dessert or not is none of your concern,” Lady Ramsbury told him and then turned to Hugh. “I heard that your brother, Lieutenant Repington has become betrothed to the Clarke girl.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Hugh replied. “They seem quite happy.”

  “So, what about you?”

  Hugh was not sure what she meant he thought for a moment but finally said, “I am rather happy for them as well.”

  Lady Ramsbury huffed again and gave him a sharp smack on the upper arm with her fan. “Do not be insolent. I am asking about your plans for marriage, of course.”

  “I apologize, Lady Ramsbury, I had not realized that was your meaning.” Hugh rubbed his arm. “I have no plans at this time to acquire a wife.”

  “Why ever not?” She asked sharply tipping the fan into her hand.

  Hugh stepped back clearly hoping he had moved out of her reach. He opened his mouth to reply but found he had no answer for her.

  Fearing that she might think him insolent for not answering Hugh swiftly replied, “I have not attended many events this Season and I fear that I have missed out on many introductions.”

  “I suppose you should be speaking to the young ladies instead of standing here with me, eh?” she gave him a pointed look when he looked to protest. "Mr Repington, far be it for me to tell you what you should be doing with your time."

  Hugh stifled the snort that very nearly came out. Lady Ramsbury enjoyed nothing more than telling other people how they should be living their lives. The unfortunate part is that she was very often correct so he was unable to ignore her advice out of hand.

  "I would be honoured to garner your wisdom on the matter," he said with a smart bow.

  She narrowed her eyes slightly and he was sure he would pay for the gesture with another blow to his arm but instead, she smiled slightly.

  "It would do you well, Mr Repington, to find a young lady of good standing with the social graces that would be required of a barrister's wife."

  Hugh nodded slowly. He had meant it to appease the whims of the older woman but the more he thought about it, he realized that she was correct, as usual.

 
; "Thank you, Lady Ramsbury. I do believe you are right, once again. I will have to remember you the next time I have a dilemma." Hugh gave her another lower bow. "I believe you would have made an excellent barrister. You seem to always have the best counsel."

  Lady Ramsbury seemed surprised by his reply. "Yes, well. My father was a barrister. He was a very wise man and I suppose I learned much from him. Thank you for your observation."

  "The gratitude is all mine. I suppose I shall follow your advice." Hugh smiled broadly at her. "Good evening, Lady Ramsbury."

  "Good evening, Mr Repington. Do have a pleasant time."

  Hugh walked farther into the garden finally stopping next to one of the many stone pillars. Lady Ramsbury's advice still in his head. He had not been lying to her when he said that he had not attended many events during the Season. In fact, he had only been to the ones that his family had forced him into attending.

  "What are you doing in here?"

  Hugh turned to see Sedgwick standing at the door.

  "It has come to my attention that as a barrister I need to find a reputable wife that will help further my status in London society."

  "Hmmm," Sedgwick seemed to mull the idea over. "I am not sure if it is entirely necessary but I cannot see how acquiring a wife would hurt your reputation."

  "Finding a suitable young lady may prove difficult as I have not been to many events this Season," Hugh confessed.

  Sedgwick waved his hand. "That is no worry. I have been to nearly every event, party, and ball, as well as several nights at Almack's. Maybe I can be of assistance."

  "Very good for you, then. As for me, I suppose the young lady I find will need to be from a respectable family that is well versed in social graces." Hugh then added, "I suppose she should be pleasant to look upon as well."

  "I suppose so," Sedgwick repeated, a slight frown forming on his brow. "That is all you require? Good manners and a pleasant visage?"

  "Yes," Hugh answered with a sigh. "Although I suppose if she had a sizable inheritance that would be helpful as well."

  He knew he must sound odd but he had no need of a love match. Furthering his career as a barrister was his only goal. If finding a bride would help that then he would look for a wife.

  "Well, if that is the case then I think Lady Priscilla Munro might fit the bill."

  "Oh really?" Hugh asked somewhat surprised that Sedgwick would think of someone that quickly.

  "Yes, her father is the Earl of Ridgewood. She is, of course, very well versed in the social graces and is well received in London." Sedgwick shrugged. "Her name came to mind as it has just recently been discovered that she will receive a rather large inheritance from a distant relative. I do not know much more than that, I am afraid."

  "No, that is quite useful information." Hugh tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Is she to be at this party?"

  "Yes. Lady Priscilla and her family arrived last night." Sedgwick looked around the garden. "I would be happy to introduce you."

  "I would like that," Hugh replied feeling good that he was making decisions that would help him further his profession as a barrister.

  "She is there by the hedge with her mother," Sedgwick gestured slightly across the garden. "The young lady in the light green dress."

  Hugh nodded. She was quite beautiful, her honey colored hair was swept back from her face save for a few curls as was the fashion. He watched her as she waited patiently with her mother while the older woman conversed with several other guests, smiling and answering questions politely. "Yes, I think she will do."

  Sedgwick looked at him for a moment as though he wanted to say something but eventually just shook his head. "I will go talk to Lady Ridgewood. I will return in a moment."

  Hugh watched as Sedgwick moved across the garden speaking to people briefly as he went. He stopped at the group where Lady Priscilla stood speaking to everyone for a moment before turning to Lady Ridgewood. They spoke for a moment before Hugh saw him gesture towards where he was standing and Hugh stood up a little straighter and smiled at the people that stood near him hoping he would look more social.

  It was not too long before Sedgwick returned with Lady Ridgewood and Lady Priscilla following along.

  "Mr Repington, allow me to introduce Lady Ridgewood and her daughter, Lady Priscilla Munro."

  "It is lovely to meet both of you. I hope you are enjoying the party." Hugh tried to speak as graciously as possible since this meeting might be very important to his future.

  "Yes, it has been wonderful, has it not, Priscilla?"

  "Oh yes," Lady Priscilla replied. "The garden is so beautiful."

  "It is a lovely night out." Lady Ridgewood opened her fan. "A little warmer than I had anticipated."

  "Oh? Can I get you some lemonade?" Sedgwick offered.

  "I would be happy if you would direct me to the refreshments," Lady Ridgewood said amiably.

  "Yes, of course," Sedgwick offered his arm. He smiled at Hugh as they walked away leaving him alone with Lady Priscilla.

  Lady Priscilla looked at him expectantly.

  Hugh nearly panicked but his training as a barrister helped him to stay calm and think of something to say. "How have you enjoyed the Season thus far?"

  She smiled broadly at him. "It has been quite enjoyable. I have been to a number of parties and balls, and Almack's of course."

  "Of course." He had not expected such an enthusiastic reply from the young lady.

  She looked at him and almost frowned. "I do not believe I have seen you at Almack's this Season, though."

  "You are quite right. I have been rather occupied, actually. I have been finishing my studies at the Inns of Court.”

  "Congratulations, Mr Repington," Lady Priscilla said demurely. "Does this mean that I will see more of you at social events in London?"

  Hugh smiled down at her. "Yes, I believe it does."

  Chapter Four

  "I was thinking tomorrow morning I could take you down to the stables."

  Julianna turned to Lady Amelia. "That sounds wonderful."

  "What are you two whispering about?" Miss Diana asked, her blonde hair looking almost white against her yellow dress.

  "Oh, pardon us, Miss Diana. Lady Julianna had asked to see the stables—" Lady Amelia began to say.

  "Why ever for?" Miss Diana asked a look of shock on her face.

  For a moment, Julianna worried that Lady Amelia would be offended but she only laughed. "I am quite lucky to have found a friend who shares my fondness of horses."

  "Horses are very beautiful but the stables are always so dirty," Miss Diana said wrinkling her nose. “I do not enjoy being there.”

  "Yes, all of that hay and dirt can be rather dusty," Julianna replied with a wry chuckle.

  Miss Diana laughed. "I must sound rather silly but my riding habit is always so dusty when I have come back from riding. Mother is always lecturing me about how unladylike it is to be dirty."

  "Well, that certainly is not your fault," Lady Amelia told her.

  "How are you to enjoy your ride when you are worried about getting dirty?" Julianna did not wait for her to answer. "That is just silly. Riding should be fun and carefree."

  "I think so, too," Lady Amelia agreed.

  "My mother is like that, as well. Every time I laugh in public she reminds me that ladies do not laugh loudly, they giggle softly." Julianna shook her head in dismay.

  Miss Diana shook her head. "What if something particularly humorous occurs? What do you do then?"

  "Like when Horace Scriven tripped over Lady Esther's dress and landed in Lady Agatha Radcliffe's lap?" Lady Amelia began to laugh and covered her mouth before she got too loud.

  "Oh my! What did Horace do?" Miss Diana gasped.

  Lady Amelia composed herself long enough to say, "Why Horace simply stood up and asked Lady Agatha if she would like to dance."

  "No!" Miss Diana exclaimed.

  "He did," Lady Amelia confirmed before beginning to laugh again.

  "W
hat did Lady Agatha do?" Miss Diana asked her eyes wide.

  "She accepted, of course," Julianna told her collapsing into a fit of giggles.

  "She did not!"

  "She did!" Lady Amelia assured her. "I have never seen Horace so red."

  "I so wish I had seen it," Miss Diana lamented. "I was at a house party in Surrey."

  "Oh, watching Horace was quite amusing but be glad you were at the house party." Lady Amelia replied her face growing serious.

  "Why do you say that?"

  Julianna remembered that night at Almack's and she answered before Lady Amelia. "Many of the girls were being quite mean to Miss Francis."

  "Why ever for?"

  "I am not sure. It started early in the night when she was dancing with Mr Townsend."

  "Oh, yes. I remember," Julianna said. "Almack's was tremendously crowded that night. It was rather a crush. Right in the middle of the dance, Mr Townsend left the dance floor."

  "He left her in the middle of the dance floor?" Miss Diana repeated. "Why?"

  Miss Amelia nodded soberly. "No one knows. He simply stopped dancing and left Miss Francis alone in the middle of the room."

  "How horrible." Miss Diana shook her head in disbelief.

  "It was horrible. Then Lady Judith and Lady Sarah and the others begin to make comments and giggle at her."

  "Oh," Miss Diana looked away.

  Julianna understood why. Each of them had encountered the perniciousness of Lady Judith and Lady Sarah. They thought it quite entertaining to upset the other young ladies.

  It made no sense to Julianna why anyone would purposefully be mean to other people. She was not so naïve to think that everyone was perfectly nice all of the time and she was well aware that there were undesirable people in the world. She just hated that some of those people were mean to her friends.

  "We did our best to talk to Miss Francis but she was quite distressed," Lady Amelia added.